Barrel Rate
The percentage of a batter's batted balls that achieve ideal exit velocity and launch angle combination, a key measure of quality contact.
Example Usage
“His 12% barrel rate ranks among the league's elite power hitters.”
Barrel Rate
Barrel rate measures the percentage of a hitter's batted balls that are "barreled" hit with the ideal combination of exit velocity and launch angle to produce premium results. It's one of the best indicators of contact quality.
What Qualifies as a Barrel
Statcast Definition
- Exit velocity of 98+ mph minimum
- Launch angle varies by exit velocity:
- 98 mph: 26-30 degrees
- 99 mph: 25-31 degrees
- 100+ mph: Range expands further
- Expected batting average .500+
Why This Matters
- Barreled balls produce hits ~70% of the time
- Average expected BA on barrels: ~.800
- Best possible contact outcome
What's a Good Barrel Rate?
| Barrel Rate | Rating |
|---|---|
| 12%+ | Elite |
| 9-11.9% | Excellent |
| 6-8.9% | Above Average |
| 4-5.9% | Average |
| Below 4% | Below Average |
Barrel Rate Significance
Better Than Traditional Stats
- More predictive than batting average
- Less luck-dependent
- Measures true contact quality
- Shows power potential
Player Evaluation
- Identifies breakout candidates
- Predicts regression
- Compares across parks
- Scouting metric
Improving Your Barrel Rate
Mechanical Focus
- Attack the right pitches
- Optimal bat path
- Drive through contact
- Improve timing
Pitch Selection
- Swing at hittable pitches
- Don't chase off the plate
- Wait for your pitch
- Quality over quantity swings
Related Terms
Barrel
The thick, hitting portion of the bat, or the act of making solid contact that produces optimal exit velocity and launch angle for hits.
Exit Velocity
The speed of the ball immediately after leaving the bat, measured in miles per hour, a key indicator of how hard a ball was hit.
Launch Angle
The vertical angle at which the ball leaves the bat after contact, measured in degrees, a key metric in modern hitting analysis.
Sweet Spot
The optimal area on the bat barrel where contact produces maximum energy transfer and minimal vibration, resulting in the hardest-hit balls.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Lineup?
Now that you know what “Barrel Rate” means, put your knowledge to work with our free lineup generator.
Try Free Lineup Generator